New York Rangers coach John Tortorella apologized for his postgame comments about the officiating in Monday's Winter Classic. Following the Rangers' 3-2 victory over the Flyers, Tortorella called the officiating "disgusting" and, in particular, ripped the officials' third-period performance. He also questioned whether the crew conspired to send the game into overtime, although Tortorella clarified Wednesday that those comments were made "tongue-in-cheek." "I tainted the Winter Classic with my mouth and I shouldn't have," a remorseful Tortorella said. "So I apologize to everyone involved." Tortorella said he was frustrated but did not seriously think the NHL or NBC, which aired the mid-afternoon game, colluded to influence the outcome. "That was not even in my mind. They were sarcastic comments by me, at the wrong time. It was frustration on my part as far as the referees were concerned and how it was done at the end of the game. I wanna get that straight," he said. "Not for a second, no way, time, shape or form did I think anything like that goes on with our league. Or ever will." "It was wrong with my sarcasm and frustration, and I apologize to everyone involved. I want to make sure that's straight," he continued. "That was not my intent and I certainly handled it the wrong way." Read more: http://espn.go.com/new-york/nhl/sto...-john-tortorella-apologized-critical-comments
